Getting to know me

Well, to date I have told you I was born in Te Awamutu New Zealand. That my mum, Mieke van Beek and I are off Down Under early next year so I can acquaint myself with my country of birth. I also hope to meet some of my relatives who live there.

I have also mentioned I work at a butchery. I love my job - the customers are great and my boss, well he is super.

I have a few likes and dislikes - but I just want to fill you in on one of my passions - my vege garden! We call them MOESTUIN- or in English I believe it is an allotment.

There are many reasons for me to like what I do. My boys get to learn all about growing stuff and how to treat the soil etc. They get introduced to and taste fresh produce - a change from tinned, frozen or dried. I still perserve when the yield is in full swing. That helps the food budget AND we get to eat our own produce all year round ( well almost).

It is a real family affair. The men and their extra energy help me regularly and we have fun while doing it.

Here in Nederland we have lots of allotments all over the place- like a mini community. Mainly huddled together in a mini vege garden village situation. Little garden houses or sheds in which the tools, a couple of deck chairs and possibly a sun umbrella are kept. Many stay a while - relaxing in the sun and enjoying the smell of fresh air, fresh vegetables and fruit, especially if the garden allotment is a wee way away from home. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a large garden. Some live in flats and enjoy spending their day in this manner.

So, there you have it, I grow my own vegetables and fruit and love being outdoors with my family.

My allotment